Golf practice device for putting

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a golf practice device and method of use wherein the golf practice device is comprised generally of a relatively thin and relatively lightweight platform having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and multiple sides; an artificial turf layer securely fixed to the top surface of said platform; one or more sets of paired implantation holes in said artificial turf layer which are configured to receive one or more pegs (for instance, golf tees), adjustable wickets, or other obstructing elements; one or more progressively narrower apertures created by implantation of said obstructing elements; one or more leveling screws removeably attached to the bottom surface of said platform; and a rebound return element. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rebound return element can be replaced by a ramp return element.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/957,180 filed Jun. 27, 2013, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/875,000 filed Sep. 7, 2013 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/966,828 filed Mar. 5, 2014. The entire contents of the above application are hereby incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

FIELD

The present invention relates to the field of golf training aids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf practice device for putting with a rebounding element.

BACKGROUND

Golfers have used “Spot putting” for many years. Many of the greatest golfers (Jack Nicklaus included) have used this method. The initial step is the golfer reads the line (path) and speed of the putt. Once the line over which the golfer intends to roll the ball is chosen, he or she selects a spot on that line. This precisely chosen spot (as specific as a single discolored blade of grass!) may be anywhere on the intended line, although golfers over the years have noticed that a spot at a distance of about 12 inches from the ball (on the chosen line towards the hole) is usually optimal. This is far enough along the intended line for regular success in making the putt, but not so far out as to lead to uncertainty that the golfer's aim to the spot is slightly off. Nevertheless, a chosen spot anywhere from about 6 inches to about 18 inches may work about as well. Each golfer must learn by practice where the chosen spot should be in relation to the ball and target hole.

This method for spot putting makes it very difficult for a golfer to practice, as they are often unable to tell how far off they were from the spot without any other identifying markers or devices on the putting surface. As such, there exists a need for a device for a golfer to use to practice putting along the line and over the spot in order to improve spot putting. Further, there is a need to be able to practice spot putting using a portable device to avoid making a trip to a golf course putting green.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention improves the art of putting practice by improving a golfer's ability to precisely start his/her putt on the correct path (the so-called “line”) to the hole. The golf practice device of the present invention provides a maximally convenient way for the putted ball to return to the golfer's original ball position as well as provides a progressively narrower target for the skilled golfer to putt through. The present invention seeks to maximize the portability of the golf practice device, so that it can be used in small spaces, such as a small room at home or in a hotel, an executive office, golf retail store, or any other space in which a conventional putting surface with standard size golf hole is not readily available. The present invention also provides an easy means of adjustment of speed or break of the putting surface by providing an easy means of adjusting the device so that it has a substantially level top surface, even if said device is placed on a non-level surface. Further, the golf practice device and method of use introduces a new integrated system for perfecting spot putting practice and provides a means for using various obstructing elements, such as golf tees, or an adjustable wicket, in said spot putting practice system.

In order to accomplish the above objectives, the golf practice device of the present invention generally comprises the following elements: (1) a relatively thin and relatively lightweight platform having substantially planar top and bottom surfaces and multiple sides; (2) an artificial turf layer securely fixed to the top surface of said platform; (3) one or more sets of paired implantation holes in said artificial turf layer which are configured to receive one or more pegs (for instance, golf tees), adjustable wickets, or other obstructing elements; (4) one or more progressively narrower apertures created by implantation of said obstructing elements; (5) one or more leveling screws removeably attached to the bottom surface of said platform; and (6) a rebound return element. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rebound return element can be replaced by a ramp return element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 1B is a side view of one embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 2B is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 3A is a bottom view of the golf practice device.

FIG. 3B is a close up cross-sectional view of the leveling screw of the golf practice device.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with ramp return elements.

FIG. 5 is a close up perspective view of the distal end of the golf practice device with obstructive devices inserted in the top surface.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 8 is a cut-away side view of one embodiment of the golf practice device featuring pairing and orientation of implantation holes.

FIG. 9A is a close up view of the ring or grommet of one embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the placement of the rings or grommets in the golf practice device.

FIG. 10A is a close up cut-away side view of the sleeve as an alternative embodiment of the placement of the obstructive device of the golf practice device.

FIG. 10B is a cut-away side view of the sleeve as an alternative embodiment of the placement of the obstructive device of the golf practice device.

FIG. 11A is a close up side view of a wicket as an alternative obstructive device in the golf practice device.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a wicket as an alternative obstructive device in the golf practice device.

FIG. 12A is a close up perspective side view of a peg as an alternative obstructive device in the golf practice device.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a peg as an alternative obstructive device in the golf practice device.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the placement of the obstructive device and path of putt according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a top view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with ramp return elements with the golfer in a right-handed putting position.

FIG. 15 is a top view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with ramp return elements for use by a left-handed golfer.

FIGS. 16A-C are top views of alternative embodiments of the implantation hole placement at the distal end of the platform of the golf practice device.

FIG. 17A is a close up cut away side view of the distal end of rebound element in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 17B is perspective side view of the rebound element in relation to the platform in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 18A is a top view of the placement of the rebound element in relation to the platform in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 18B is a bottom view of the placement of the rebound element in relation to the platform in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the placement of the rebound surface in the rigid support structure in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIGS. 19B-C are cut-away top views of the placement of the rebound surface in the rigid support structure in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIGS. 20A-B are perspective views showing the placement of the rebound surface in the rigid support structure in relation to the platform in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIGS. 21A-C are cut-away top views showing alternative shapes of the rebound surface of the golf practice device.

FIGS. 22A-B are side views showing insertion of the rebound element into the platform in an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device.

FIG. 23 is a cut-away top view of an alternative embodiment insertion of the rebound surface into the rigid support structure of the rebound element of the golf practice device prior to insertion.

FIG. 24 is a cut-away top view of an alternative embodiment insertion of the rebound surface into the rigid support structure of the rebound element of the golf practice device after insertion.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the implantation hole placement of the golf practice device with ramp return element.

FIG. 26 is a top view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with a rebound element as used by a right-handed golfer.

FIG. 27 is a top view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with a ramp return element as used by a right-handed golfer.

FIG. 28A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with a ramp return element.

FIG. 28B is a side view of one embodiment of the golf practice device with a ramp return element.

FIG. 28C is a close up distal end side view of the golf practice device with a ramp return element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning to FIG. 1A-B, a platform, represented as 102 with affixed artificial turf layer represented as 101 may be composed of tough, flexible lightweight materials, so that they can be rolled up together and carried or stored in a tight compact configuration, with or without said rebound or ramp return elements. Said tough and flexible materials may include rubber, memory foam, or any durable fabric for the platform element, and any kind of artificial turf which can simulate a tightly-mowed grass surface. Even a felt or felt-like material, such as pool table felt, or other relatively smooth, even fabric may be used for the artificial turf surface. The means of joining (affixing) the platform and artificial turf layer materials may include sewing, gluing, stapling, nailing, or other means, in such a way as to provide a smooth, stable, reliable, consistent surface for a putted golf ball. A memory foam material which can spring back to a consistently flat platform is highly desirable for a flexible, roll-up embodiment as described above.

While a flexible, roll-up embodiment of the platform with affixed artificial turf layer is one possible embodiment.

In the preferred embodiment, the platform is composed of a rigid lightweight material, which is easily cut or molded. Wood, hard rubber, or thermoplastic may be used. The platform has a substantially level, smooth and planar top surface on which to affix any of the artificial turf layer materials mentioned above, by any of the means described above (with the exception of sewing, of course). The platform may have a variety of shapes, although the desired shape in the preferred embodiment is substantially rectangular and longer than it is wide as shown in FIGS. 1A-B. Ideally, the platform is substantially thin in the vertical dimension, so as not to give the golfer the impression that he/she is putting from a surface significantly different in feel from a real putting green. A platform which is too thick for the golfer to enjoy practicing on is one which gives the golfer the impression that he/she must “choke up” on the grip of their regular putter and make a different type of stroke from that which is used on the golf course. For the sake of providing a substantially flat and level surface on which to practice putting, said platform has a bottom surface which is also substantially flat and planar, with said planar bottom surface substantially parallel to said top surface. The planar artificial turf layer may rest on (and be affixed to) a slightly recessed top surface of the platform as shown in FIGS. 2A-B, so that the outer edges represented as 201 of the platform provide a barrier to keep an errant putted ball from rolling off the platform onto the surrounding floor.

It has been determined from experimentation that high quality pool table felt provides the most realistic putting surface for simulating smooth and fast greens. A fast green simulation has been determined to be the most desirable. This is a happy coincidence, since most putting practice mats have a much more expensive, slower, and less reliable putting surface. As such, said pool table felt is used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is typically stapled or glued to the top surface of said platform after carefully smoothing and slightly stretching the felt by hand.

To practice breaking putts, any means of tilting the golf practice device (such as adjustable screws on the bottom surface of the platform base) are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. To describe just one of many possible ways to tilt the golf practice device for breaking putts, as shown in FIGS. 3A-B, one can insert leveling screws represented as 302A-D, of the type one can find in any hardware store, into the bottom surface (ground-contacting surface), or base, of the platform represented as 102. An example pattern of such leveling screws is demonstrated to be within or near each corner of said platform bottom surface as shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B gives a close-up side cross-sectional view of the leveling screw represented as 305 inserted in a grommet represented as 304 using threads represented as 306. Alternately, some embodiments may use a leveling screw inserted directly into the platform base (i.e., without the need for a grommet), although in most cases, a grommet is preferable for ease of use and less wear-and-tear on the platform material by screw adjustments. In any case, the golf practice device may be given any number of breaking directions based upon the degree to which each leveling screw is adjusted in relation to all of the other leveling screws. The ground-contacting surfaces of the leveling screws may have an attached high friction material, like a rubber pad represented as 307 as shown in FIG. 3B, flange or stopper, so as to prevent unwanted sliding of the golf practice device while in use.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, surrounding the rectangular edges of the platform, on three sides (left side represented as 402, far side represented as 401, and right side represented as 403, as best seen in FIG. 4), is the ball ramp return mechanism. The ball ramp return mechanism is a concave channel represented as 404 which bends around the platform and is tilted downward from its highest point, where the putted ball is received on the left side, for a right-handed golfer, to its lowest point, where the putted ball is returned by gravity to a return tray represented as 405 on the right side for a right-handed golfer. Alternatively as shown in FIG. 15, surrounding the rectangular edges of the platform, on three sides (left side represented as 1402, far side represented as 1401, and right side represented as 1403), the concave channel represented as 1404, bends around the platform and is tilted downward from its highest point, where the putted ball is received on the right side, for a left-handed golfer, to its lowest point, where the putted ball is returned by gravity to a return tray represented as 1405 on the left side, for a left-handed golfer.

The concave channel represented as 404 from FIGS. 4 and 1404 from FIG. 15 is generally in the shape of one half of a cylindrical tube cut in longitudinal section, and may be composed of a rigid but lightweight material, such as PVC tubing, plastic or thermoplastic tubing, thin metal tubing, lightweight wood (such as bamboo) or other like material. The concave diameter is sufficiently large so as to receive said putted ball and return it with minimal resistance. An up ramp represented as 406 in FIGS. 4 and 1406 in FIG. 15 (which can be made of the same lightweight material as the other parts of the ball return mechanism) extends between the ball return tray and the artificial turf surface.

As shown in FIG. 6, the golf practice device has a platform represented as 102 with substantially rectangular and planar top and bottom surfaces. The platform may be comprised of a firm rigid material (such as hard plastic or thermoplastic, hard rubber, ceramic, wood or metal, so as to support the artificial turf portion represented as 101 and to prevent it's wrinkling or movement while in use for putting practice.

As shown in FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the golf practice device may also incorporate a middle softer layer made of softer, less rigid, material (such as polyurethane foam, soft rubber or various viscoelastic gels), so as to better simulate softer turf and/or better accept SPD implantation (to be described below). This middle softer layer represented as 701 is substantially planar and similarly rectangular and incorporated to intervene between the platform represented as 102 and artificial turf surface material represented as 101. In such case, said middle softer layer would be securely fixed to the artificial turf material on its top side and to the rigid platform underneath.

A further feature of the above-described golf practice device is what makes it unique for use in conjunction with the spot putting device (SPD) described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/256,063, which is incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein, namely various means of implanting said SPD into the golf practice mat, so that the spot putting practice system described above may be used. For the golf putting device of FIGS. 4-16, the artificial turf surface material, intervening layer (if present), and underlying rigid platform will have a series of small diameter implantation holes of sufficient depth to receive a SPD or other obstructive element, shown generally in FIG. 4 as 407A-C. The implantation hole positions may be marked in various ways (such as a contrasting dye or paint color) if they are not already visibly discernible

In one embodiment, the golf practice device of the present invention is manufactured wherein a one inch thick layer of hard rubber is cut into a rectangular slab. A matching size rectangular sheet of green carpeting material or Astroturf or similar artificial turf material (devoid of rubber backing) is permanently secured to the top surface of the rubber platform by industrial adhesive glue, staples, nails, carpet tacks or other similar means. The artificial turf material may be of felt or felt like material or of the type commonly found in hardware stores, landscape and garden shops, or carpet stores. Once the artificial turf surface material is securely fixed to the platform (and the adhesive glue is allowed to dry, if used), a series of implantation holes are drilled into the surface material and underlying platform in the example pattern of FIG. 4.

As shown further in FIGS. 6-7, the implantation holes represented as 602A-C are drilled through the artificial turf layer represented as 101, continuing through the middle soft layer represented as 701 (if present) and ending in the platform represented as 102. The obstructing elements represented as 501A-B are shown in partial view in FIG. 5 wherein the obstructing elements are inserted into implantation holes represented as 503A-B, respectively. The prong tips represented as 502A-B come to rest inside the platform. The golfer's chosen spot 504 lies in the exact midline 505 between obstructing elements 501A-B.

In the example pattern of FIG. 4, the layout of the implantation holes is such that the obstructing device or devices may be implanted at 6 inch, 12 inch and 18 inch distances from the golf ball beginning point. A standard ball marker may be placed on the turf surface directly behind the golf ball beginning point 408, for precision and consistency of the starting point. However, optimally the golf ball beginning point is already permanently marked on the artificial turf surface by dye, paint, or other means.

As shown in FIG. 8, the implantation holes represented as 602A are paired in such a way as to accept narrow to wide prong-to-prong gap positions, so that all golfer skill levels can be challenged. Also shown in FIG. 7 is a bracket 801 in support of concave channel 404.

As shown for a right-handed golfer in FIG. 14, the golfer represented as 1410 stands with his/her toes close to the non-channeled side of the golf practice device and assumes the putting address position, so that he/she is addressing the golf ball represented as 1408 at the golf ball beginning point and strikes the ball with the putter head represented as 1409. After a putt is successfully made through the gap in the obstructive device represented as 1101, it should fall into the left concave channel represented as 1404 of the ball return and return to the right side represented as 1403 by gravity with the ball landing in the return tray represented as 1405, so as to begin the putting practice cycle anew. Obviously, a golf practice device for a left-handed golfer would have a reverse (mirror image) arrangement of the key features described above and shown in FIG. 14 (see FIG. 15).

FIG. 9B shows various acceptable arrangements of the implantation holes represented as 901A-F in the top surface of the artificial turf represented as 101. The implantation holes may be drilled through the fixed artificial turf surface and into the underlying platform represented as 102 after the artificial turf and platform have been fixed together. Alternatively, the implantation holes may be precut into the artificial turf and platform top surface as separate procedures and both sets of holes lined up during the fixation process mentioned above. In the drilling of these holes into the platform, the holes are made sufficiently deep so as to receive said obstructing elements (pegs, wickets, etc.) so that they are solidly implanted in said holes, and cannot be easily knocked out by the putted golf ball.

As shown in FIG. 9A, thin metal rings or grommets represented as 901 may be used to decorate the holes in the artificial turf and to provide an added structural support to said implanted obstructing elements. Alternately, as shown in FIGS. 10A-B, sleeve-like elements represented as 1001, such as drywall anchors, can be first inserted into said drilled holes, so as to snugly receive obstructive elements represented as 1002, and to reduce wear-and-tear on the holes in the artificial turf 101 and underlying platform 102.

It is a desired goal of the present invention to test various skill levels of putting, from beginner to professional golfer. Thus, the widest gap pair of implantation holes is the appropriate setting to test the beginner and the narrowest gap pair is the appropriate setting to test the most highly skilled golfer, including the professional. While any particular arrangement of paired implantation holes is considered to be within the scope of the present invention, the optimal layout options of paired implantation holes is shown in FIGS. 16A-C. Note that the gap between successive paired implantation holes represented as 1603 to which the ball represented as 1602 is putted gets progressively more narrow the closer one gets to the rebound or ramp return element (to be more fully described below), near the distal end represented as 1601A-C of the putting surface. This is believed to be the optimal arrangement, because a slightly off-center rebound will result in more rebounded golf balls being blocked from returning to the golfer's original ball position the farther out from the rebound element the narrowest gap implantation hole pair is located. With this arrangement, if the rebounded ball can first pass through this narrowest gap, it should have no obstructions while passing through the progressively larger gaps. To show some variations of this idea in use, FIGS. 11A-B shows an adjustable wicket represented as 1101 implanted in the narrowest gap implantation hole pair represented as 901A-B (to test a highly skilled golfer) and FIGS. 12A-B shows pegs represented as 1002 in FIGS. 12A and 1002A-B in FIG. 12B (golf tees) implanted in the widest gap implantation hole pair represented as 901D and E in order to test a beginning golfer. Note that typically only one pair of implantation holes contains obstructing elements at any particular time, while the other holes remain empty.

For ease of practicing breaking putts, by adjusting the leveling screws on the bottom surface of the platform shown in FIG. 3A-B, as shown in FIG. 13 the golfer may choose diagonal orientation of implantation holes represented as 901D and E for golf tee or adjustable wicket insertion, for either left-to-right breaking putt practice wherein the putt moves along the direction of 1301, or for right-to-left breaking putt practice (not shown). In FIG. 13, the adjustable wicket represented as 1101 is inserted into implantation holes represented as 901D and E, wherein bead-like elements represented as 1102A and 1102B meet with the artificial turf represented as 101 such that the prongs of the wicket (not shown) rest inside the platform represented as 102.

Two types of return elements are considered to be within the scope of the present invention: (1) a rebound return element; or (2) a ramp return element. The rebound return element is described next in great detail.

Turning to FIGS. 17A-B, the rebound return element has two main parts, a rigid support structure represented as 1702 and a rebound surface represented as 1701. The rigid support structure is oriented substantially perpendicular (vertical) with respect to the substantially horizontal artificial turf surface represented as 1703 of the present invention. The rigid support structure may be composed of any solid and relatively dense material so as to be substantially inert with respect to impact of a putted golf ball, so that said ball rebounds backwards, with little loss of kinetic energy, in the general direction from which it was originally putted. Such solid and relatively dense material may include wood, metal, hard plastic, hard rubber, ceramic tile, or any other relatively dense material, in any combination or composite structure. Furthermore, the rebound surface may be comprised of a different material than the rigid support structure, and may be either permanently affixed to the rigid support structure or a removable insert, so that different rebound surface parts may be easily substituted for one another. The rebound surface may be composed of any material with a relatively high coefficient of restitution, including, but not limited to, solid or gas-inflated rubber, highly resilient thermoplastic resin, wood, metal, or ceramic tile. Any combination of these materials may comprise the rebound surface. The rebound surface may have a substantially planar surface or a slightly convex surface. A convex surface requires a greater level of skill from the golfer for the ball to be returned substantially in the general direction from which it was putted. Only a perfectly centered impact between the putted ball and said convex surface will rebound the ball back along the line it was putted. In such a way, said convex surface magnifies the error of an off-center impact, thus providing maximum feedback to the golfer about the accuracy of the line of the putt.

As shown in FIG. 17A-B, the obstructive devices represented as 1706A-B (in this case golf tees) are inserted through the implantation holes, with an example hole represented as 1707. The hole extends through the artificial turf represented as 1703 and into the platform represented as 1704. The platform is adjustable to provide different breaking surfaces by adjusting the leveling screws 1705A-B, as described earlier in FIGS. 3A-B.

In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 19A, the rigid support structure represented as 1702 is substantially rectangular and composed of an inexpensive dense, rigid material which can be easily shaped, such as wood. The support structure may be glued, nailed, or stapled to the distal end of the platform represented as 1704. FIGS. 20A-B shows the relationship of the support structure represented as 1702 to the distal end of the platform represented as 1704. The rebound surface 1701 is preferably made from a highly resilient hard rubber with a back surface configured for attachment to the support structure in a slot represented as 1901 and a flat or gently rounded convex rebound surface for impact with the putted golf ball. Ideally, the resilient hard rubber rebound surface part has the center of its impact surface within the vertical plane, which bisects the lengthwise midline of the artificial turf represented as 1703 and the rigid support structure. In addition, the center of its impact surface is approximately positioned at a level above the surface of the artificial turf such that the equator of the putted golf ball impacts with the center of the impact surface.

If the rebound surface is intended to be permanently fixed to the rigid support structure, such means of permanent attachment is preferably a strong adhesive glue or bonding agent; for instance, in the particular example mentioned above, it would be a bonding agent appropriate for a wood/rubber interface. Alternatively, any means of removable attachment and substitution of one rebound surface for another is considered to be within the scope of the present invention. In addition, any means of permanent or removable attachment of the rebound element to the platform should also be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, as shown in FIGS. 22A-B, a peg-like element represented as 2201 is attachably connected to the rigid support structure represented as 1702 with rebound surface represented as 1701 embedded therein to the rigid support structure. The peg-like element may be inserted into a slot represented as 2202 that passes through artificial turf represented as 1703 and into the platform represented as 1704. FIGS. 18A-B show top (A) and bottom (B) views of the platform with rebound element attached at the distal end of the platform. The circular structures 1705A and 1705B represent the leveling screws inserted in the base of the rebound element.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 19A-C, horizontal or vertical slots in the rigid support structure represented as 1702 could be configured so as to removeably insert a variety of rebound surface represented as 1701 into a slot represented as 1901 without necessarily having to remove and reattach the rigid support structure. A vertical slotting arrangement of this type is shown in FIG. 23. In this way, the user can conceivably choose from a variety of variously composed rebound surface parts having the general characteristics described above. This would give the user maximum freedom to adjust the level of difficulty and to adjust the speed of ball return for a given putting stroke.

Through experimentation, it has been determined that a preferred embodiment of the rebound element has the following characteristics: a roughly hemispherical concavity or cylindrical hole in the turf-facing vertical surface of the rigid support structure which is configured to snugly receive an inserted rebound surface into slot as shown generally in FIGS. 21A-C. These are cut away side views of the rebound element with rectangular (2101), hemispherical (2102), and spherical (2103) rebound surfaces and their respective flat (2104 and 2015) and convex (2106) rebound surfaces for contact with a putted golf ball. FIG. 21A shows the vertical face of the rectangularly shaped rebound element inserted with rebound surface represented as 2101 to be co-planar at surface represented as 2104 (“flat”) with respect to the turf-facing vertical surface of the rigid support structure represented as 1702. FIG. 21B shows the vertical face of the hemispherical rebound surface inserted with rebound surface represented as 2102 to be co-planar at surface represented as 2105 (“flat”) with respect to the turf-facing vertical surface of the rigid support structure represented as 1702. FIG. 21 C. shows an example with a convex impact surface, wherein the vertical face of the spherical inserted rebound surface represented as 2103 is convex at surface represented as 2106 (“curved”) with respect to the turf-facing vertical surface of the rigid support structure represented as 1702.

In an alternative embodiment as shown in cut-away top view in FIG. 23, the back surface of the rebound element represented as 2302 may be inserted into a vertical slot represented as 2301, wherein slot 2301 is created in the front of the rigid support structure represented as 1702, and rests in place as shown in FIG. 24.

So, in summary, either the rebound surface alone may be removeably attached, or the entire rebound element may be removeably attached, or both options may be provided together, in various possible embodiments of the present invention.

A ramp return element, in substitution for the rebound return element described above, may be used in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 25, surrounding the rectangular side edges of the platform represented as 2508, on three sides (distal side represented as 2502, far side represented as 2501, and proximal side represented as 2503), is the ramp return element. The ramp return element is a concave channel represented as 2504 which bends around the platform and is tilted downward from its highest point, where the putted ball is received (distal left side for a right-handed golfer), to its lowest point, where the putted ball is returned by gravity to a return tray represented as 2505 (proximal right side for a right-handed golfer). The concave channel is generally in the shape of one half of a cylindrical tube cut (or molded) in longitudinal section, and may be composed of a rigid but lightweight material, such as PVC tubing, plastic or thermoplastic tubing, thin metal tubing, lightweight wood (such as bamboo) or other like material. The channel diameter is sufficiently large so as to receive said putted ball and return it with minimal resistance. An up-ramp represented as 2506 extends between the ball return tray portion of the ramp return element and the top surface of the golf practice device, when such a ramp return element is used.

Turning to FIG. 26, a fully integrated embodiment of the golf practice device of the present invention using the rebound return element is displayed. Turning to FIG. 27, a fully integrated embodiment of the golf practice device of the present invention using the ramp return element is displayed.

In FIG. 26, the golfer represented as 2610 starts with the ball represented as 2608 in a position centered on the lengthwise midline of the artificial turf surface at any desired distance from the chosen paired implantation holes, with an example implantation hole designated as 2607. The golfer putts towards the distal end represented as 2606 and away from the proximal end represented as 2607 and facing the far side represented as 2601. Before putting, he/she has already implanted a pair of pegs (such as golf tees), or an adjustable wicket, into the desired pair of implantation holes corresponding to his/her skill level. For ease of viewing these diagrams, these obstructing elements are not shown. The golfer then addresses the golf ball in his/her usual putting address position and concentrates on the putter head represented as 2609 striking the ball in a manner which will send the ball through the very center of the gap between the chosen pair of implantation holes, taking care not to touch either peg, wicket or other obstructive device, with the putted ball. It is considered a successful putt if the ball does not make contact with the pegs, wicket or other obstructive device, and is given a sufficiently powerful stroke to rebound the ball off the rebound return element at the surface represented as 1701 and return the ball to the golfer.

In FIG. 27, the golfer represented as 2710 starts with the ball represented as 2708 in a position centered on the lengthwise midline of the artificial turf surface at any desired distance from the chosen paired implantation holes, with an example implantation hole designated as 2707. The golfer putts towards the distal end represented as 2702 and away from the proximal end represented as 2703 and facing the far side represented as 2701. Before putting, he/she has already implanted a pair of pegs (such as golf tees), or an adjustable wicket, into the desired pair of implantation holes corresponding to his/her skill level. For ease of viewing these diagrams, these obstructing elements are not shown. The golfer then addresses the golf ball in his/her usual putting address position and concentrates on the putter head represented as 2709 striking the ball in a manner which will send the ball through the very center of the gap between the chosen pair of implantation holes, taking care not to touch either peg, wicket or other obstructive device with the putted ball. It is considered a successful putt if the ball does not make contact with the pegs, wicket or other obstructive device, and is given a sufficiently powerful stroke for the ball to fall into the concave channel represented as 2704 and return the ball to the golfer to in ball return tray represented as 2705.

Using this technique and the spot putting device of the present invention with either the rebound or ramp return elements, the particularly skilled golfer can make an endless number of practice putts without ever having to move out of the address position. As shown in the ramp return embodiment of FIGS. 28A-C, straight putts or breaking putts can be practiced, depending upon how one adjusts the leveling screws represented as 2813A-B (identical to leveling screws 302A-D shown in FIG. 3A) on the bottom surface of the platform element. Alternatively, the leveling screws can also be used to adjust the device of the present invention so that one can use it on a non-level surface. The platform represented by 2810 and concave channel represented by 2804 are tilted downward from the distal end so that the putted golf ball may return to the golfer by gravity. In FIG. 28A-C, obstructive elements are represented as 2805 and are placed in the implantation holes represented by an example of 2807, wherein the implantation holes are through the artificial turf represented by 2809 and end inside the platform represented by 2810.

As shown in FIGS. 28A-B, by controlling the overall degree of tilt of the platform, the speed of the putting surface can be adjusted. With the leveling screws screwed tightly into the bottom of the platform, faster (more level) putts can be practiced, and with the leveling screws adjusted all the way out, slower (more uphill) putts can be practiced. By repeated application of this new system for spot putting practice, the golfer becomes very adept at starting the ball on his/her intended path (the “line”). If, on the golf course, the golfer correctly reads the speed and line of his/her putts, this sort of preparatory practice will result in sinking more putts.

It is understood that anyone skilled in the art of making the golf practice device of the present invention may make a reasonable substitution of the materials mentioned above, or of any particular dimensions of said various elements, or of any particular arrangement of implantation holes, or of any particular composition or arrangement of rebound elements, and still be within the scope of the present invention.

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference has been made to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language has been used to describe these embodiments. However, this specific language intends no limitation of the scope of the invention, and the invention should be construed to encompass all embodiments that would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. The particular implementations shown and described herein are illustrative examples of the invention and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects of the method (and components of the individual operating components of the method) may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines, or connectors shown in the various figures presented are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical or logical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships, physical connections or logical connections might be present in a practical device. Moreover, no item or component is essential to the practice of the invention unless the element is specifically described as “essential” or “critical”. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A golf putting practice device, comprising: a) a platform having a substantially planar top surface and a bottom surface, with a plurality of sides and a proximal end and a distal end; b) an artificial turf layer attached to the top surface of the platform; c) one or more sets of gap paired implantation holes present in the artificial turf layer and top surface of the platform, each configured to receive one or more obstructing elements; d) one or more obstructing elements, each configured to be received by the one or more sets of gap paired implantation holes; e) one or more leveling screws attached to the bottom surface of the platform, and f) a return attached to the distal end of the platform.
 2. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein the platform is substantially rectangular and is substantially thin.
 3. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a tough flexible lightweight material selected from the group comprising wood, rubber, thermoplastic polymer, foam, durable fabric, and combinations thereof and wherein the artificial turf layer comprises a tough flexible lightweight material selected from the group comprising felt and felt-like materials.
 4. The golf putting practice device of claim 3, wherein the platform layer is attached by a securing method selected from the group comprising sewing, gluing, stapling, nailing and combinations thereof; and wherein the artificial turf layer is attached by a securing method selected from the group comprising sewing, gluing, stapling, nailing and combinations thereof.
 5. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more sets of gap paired implantation holes present in the artificial turf layer and top surface of the platform are sufficiently deep to receive the one or more obstructing elements.
 6. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, further comprising structure supports for the one of more obstructing elements selected from the group comprising metal grommets, rubber grommets, or sleeve-like anchors.
 7. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more sets of gap paired implantation holes present in the artificial turf layer and top surface of the platform are spaced progressively narrower closer to the return attached to the distal end of the platform.
 8. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more obstructing elements independently is selected from the group comprising pegs, golf tees, or wickets.
 9. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more leveling screws attached to the bottom surface of the platform are configured and adjustable to provide a plurality of directions for the putt to break.
 10. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein the return on the distal end of the platform comprises a rigid support structure with a rebound surface, wherein the rigid support structure is substantially vertical with respect to the platform, and wherein the rigid support surface is affixed to the distal end of the platform.
 11. The golf putting practice device of claim 10, wherein the rebound surface is substantially planar with the rigid support structure.
 12. The golf putting practice device of claim 10, wherein the rebound surface is substantially is slightly convex with the rigid support structure.
 13. The golf putting practice device of claim 10, wherein rigid support structure is a dense material selected from the group comprising wood, metal, hard plastic, hard rubber, ceramic tile, composite material, and combinations thereof; and the rebound surface comprises a relatively high coefficient of restitution material selected from the group comprising solid rubber, gas-inflated rubber, highly resilient thermoplastic, wood, metal, ceramic tile and combinations thereof.
 14. The golf putting practice device of claim 1, wherein the return at the distal end of the platform is a ramp which comprises a concave channel that bends around the platform and is tilted downward from its highest point, where a putted ball is received, to its lowest point, where the putted golf ball is returned by gravity to a return tray.
 15. The golf putting practice device of claim 14, wherein the concave channel is in shape of one half of a cylindrical tube cut or molded in a longitudinal direction, and wherein the concave channel is composed of a rigid but lightweight material selected from group comprising PVC tubing, plastic or thermoplastic tubing, thin metal tubing, lightweight wood, bamboo, and combinations thereof.
 16. A golf ball return device, comprising a rigid support structure with a rebound surface, wherein the rigid support structure is substantially vertical, and wherein the rebound surface is affixed to the rigid support structure.
 17. The golf ball return device of claim 16 wherein the rebound surface is substantially planar with the rigid support structure.
 18. The golf ball return device of claim 16 wherein the rebound surface is slightly convex with the rigid support structure.
 19. The golf ball return device of claim 16, wherein rigid support structure comprises a solid or dense material selected from the group comprising wood, metal, hard plastic, hard rubber, ceramic tile, composite material and combinations thereof and the rebound surface comprises a relatively high coefficient of restitution material selected from the group comprising solid rubber, gas-inflated rubber, highly resilient thermoplastic, wood, metal, ceramic tile and combinations thereof.
 20. A method of testing an individual's level of skill in golf putting, comprising an individual putting a golf ball on the golf putting device of claim 1, wherein a widest gap pair of implantation holes is the appropriate setting to test a beginner and a narrowest gap pair is the appropriate setting to test the most highly skilled golfer. 